But there was one thing he had to do before he left.

“I’m going to Atlanta.”

“I’m glad to see you’re taking action. This had better be solved soon. Remember, you don’t have much time to clear up your mess. Boca Raton is set for October twenty-ninth.”

“You don’t have to remind me. I can take care of both matters.”

“We’ve trusted you for a long time, but the Cabal isn’t too pleased with you after that blunder with Etienne.”

And Melton was even less pleased. He was probably looking over his shoulder and thinking he’d be next. Lily-livered bastard.

“I had to shoot him. It was self-defense.”

“Was it?” Melton paused. “I admit I’ve been wondering if you’re playing a double game.”

“You have no reason to accuse me of that.”

“Well, then, you’d better make sure your mistake has no repercussions.”

“That’s why I’m going to Atlanta. I’ll find a way.”

“See that you do.” Melton hung up.

The threat had been veiled, but Jules couldn’t mistake Melton’s intention to pressure him. He smothered the anger and tried to compose himself. It was the first time in years that any of the Cabal had been in the least critical of him. He had served them faithfully. Wasn’t he entitled to their trust?

Well, they had trusted him with Etienne, and he must make amends for that.

Boca Raton.

It would be all right. Jules had made the advance preparations and the plan was proceeding nicely. He could leave the matter alone while he concentrated on the Duncan project.

Eve Duncan. Hebert leaned back and closed his eyes. He would go soon, but another few moments wouldn’t hurt. You’d think after all these years that he’d become hardened, but it had never happened. Not with the innocents.

Get a grip. He had killed Etienne; anything else would be easy in comparison.

Joe Quinn, Jane MacGuire, and hadn’t Melton mentioned Eve Duncan’s mother?

Which one would he have to choose?

“Look at him.” Jane’s expression was glowing with pride as she gazed at her puppy. “I think he’s even smarter than his daddy, Monty, don’t you?”

“Well… he’s very good. But rolling over isn’t exactly the same as saving lives after an earthquake.” Eve smiled as she packed Carmelita’s reconstructed skull in a box.

“He’s got a way to go.”

“Well, he’s only four months old. I have to train him.” Jane snapped her fingers and Toby bounced to his feet. “Maybe I should go out to California and let Sarah help me. I bet she could teach him in no time. She offered to do it when she gave him to me.”

Providing Sarah had time to do it, Eve thought ruefully. Besides traveling all over the world with a canine rescue group, Sarah was trying to adjust to marriage and keep her golden retriever, Monty, and his mate, Maggie, content and peaceful.

Peaceful wasn’t that easy when it came to dealing with an untamed wolf like Maggie.

“That could be a good idea. We’ll ask her when she might have a chance to do it.” She addressed the label on the box ready for collection. “But not until your school breaks for the Thanksgiving holidays.”

“I could make it up. I’m ahead anyway.”

In more ways than in her studies. Jane’s background had ensured that in both experience and character she was twelve going on thirty. Eve was glad to see this wild enthusiasm over the puppy. Heaven knows the girl had been cheated out of most of the joys of childhood. “Maybe. We’ll talk about it.”

“Are you going to the FedEx office? Can Toby and I go with you?”

“Sure. Right after I go and put some fresh flowers on Bonnie’s grave. I haven’t been up there this week.”

“The chrysanthemums by the side of the house? I’ll get them. Toby and I will go with you. He needs to stretch his legs.”

“What are you talking about? That puppy dashes around every minute of the day.”

“Running up hills is different. It’s good training and helps the lungs.” She ran out of the cottage. “We’ll meet you.”

Eve smiled and shook her head as she went out onto the porch. They’d be there long before she reached the grave, and she’d be lucky if Toby didn’t tear up the flowers Jane put down on it.

Not that it mattered. Flowers were only flowers. And Bonnie would have loved to see the puppy tearing around, full of life and joy. She started on the path around the lake.

To her surprise Toby was being comparatively sedate, lying on his back beside the grave while Jane scratched his tummy. “I told you hills were different,” Jane said.

“He got tired. He needs to get in shape.” She turned around and began picking weeds from the grave. “It doesn’t need much cleaning at this time of year. I was up here three days ago and there was hardly any clover or anything.”

“You were up here?”

“Sure. I know it’s important to you. You love Bonnie.” Jane straightened the flowers “There. I was going to brush those maple leaves off, but the red color looks kind of pretty. Like a cozy little blanket.”

“Yes, it does.” Eve looked down at the fallen leaves. A blanket for her Bonnie. The phrase spoke of home and shelter from harm. Everything she’d wanted for her daughter.

“Is it okay?” Jane asked.

“It’s beautiful.” Eve swallowed hard. “Have I told you lately how much I love you, Jane?”

“You don’t have to tell me.” Jane didn’t look at her as she jumped to her feet.

“You keep thinking you’re cheating me or something. It doesn’t have to be even. I don’t expect it.”

“It is even. It’s just… different.”

“Right. I’ll see you at the car. Maybe we can rent a video while we’re in town, now that you’re finished with Carmelita. Joe said he wanted to see that new sci-fi spoof.” The girl streaked off with Toby romping at her heels.

Still a few problems there, but they’d come a long way. They had such a strong foundation that Eve couldn’t believe they wouldn’t work everything out eventually.

Time to go. She looked down at the grave. “Goodbye, Bonnie,” she whispered.

She turned and started to follow Jane.

A sudden chill went through her.

She whirled and looked back up the hill. “Bonnie?” Nothing. No sound. No rustle of trees…

Yet, had there been… something?

Imagination. She must have been working too hard on Carmelita. Bonnie never gave her this sense of menace…

“Eve!” Jane was waving at her from the bottom of the hill. “Toby’s treed a squirrel. Or maybe it’s a raccoon. Come and see.” Eve turned around and her pace quickened. “I’ll be right there.” Chapter 2

« ^ »

THE CHILD COULD BE THE KEY.

Jules Hebert faded away into the bushes as Eve left the grave site. The expression on the woman’s face had told it all. She was a mother, and radiated the love, endurance, and tenderness that all mothers possessed. The death of a child could move a woman to do almost anything.

Jane MacGuire?

The idea made him sick. He did not like to kill children. He stopped and leaned against the birch tree at the bottom of the hill. He could do it. He could do anything he had to do. He had proved that.

But maybe it wasn’t necessary. He had to clear his head and think. Would he have to do this? Would it even bring the result he wanted? The situation was critical, but wouldn’t it be better to explore other avenues? Everyone had secrets. Suppose he probed and pried until he knew every detail of these people’s lives. He had always been good at that. He might be able to find something he could use…

It would take time.

Not if he bent all his will and effort to the task. He had come to admire Eve Duncan, With her strength and intelligence, she reminded him of his own mother.

Surely, he could wait a few more days.

Boca Raton.

Three days. Taking any more time would be irresponsible. He could allow himself three days to find another option.

Then he would have to kill the child.

“I need to talk to you.” Jane’s voice was hesitant. “Could you spare a moment, Eve?”